Expert says rebranding of hospitality sector, top priority for govt

For the nation’s hospitality industry to grow, the government has a duty to make rebranding of the sector, a top priority.

This is the observation of the Mr. Gioacchino Liguori, Manager of Eko Signature which is one of the facilities embedded in Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island , Lagos. Liguori who emphasized that if rebranding is made a priority, tourism would equally grow, making room for the development of not just only Nigeria but Africa in general.

According to the Manager, such step would motivate stakeholders in their businesses, adding that Eko Signature has been where it is today due to the innovations put in place, such as regular training and retraining of its staff.

He said, Eko Signature was unique by virtue of freshness in the professionalism, the authentic flavour of their varieties of food available to their customers.

Recalling his experience in the industry, Liguori said “I have been in this business for 21 years. The first place of work gave me direction and guidance to be a good manager today. It’s been a long run; it has not been easy, long nights, long hours, and long sacrifices.”

“But this kind of job you have to do it because you have to love this job. We try to be proactive. We have different clients that come here. We know what they like and what they dislike. Patience, humility and being proactive are paramount tools to excel in the job. We try to go the label 360 degree customers’ services”, he added.

Speaking further, Liguori said “There have been training and retraining to ensure that the Eko Signature staff team are capable to supervise selves. We train and guide all the hotel staff from the kitchen to housekeeping on a daily basis.

We try as much as possible to train them to be good managers. We push them to be good manager. We do tell them this kind of job is not easy. To understand the job, one has to develop a kind of spirit that will be knowledgeable about all segments of the hotel”.

The hotelier who identified national crises as a major challenge to their business added that “Whenever, we are looking for staff, we look for talent. This is because the hotels may be beautiful but it is the staff that makes the difference.

However, Eko Signature offers fresh products and quality services just as the guests are enjoying that status of a home, away from home. Our hotel comprises of 170 beautiful rooms and a beautiful presidential suite. Our meals are not expensive. Our prices are very competitive. The difference between us with others is the quality of our food. In addition, I have a beautiful team.”

“We drive associates who want to move up the ladder; who want to be managers one day. We invest in them, train them and we give them free scholarships on daily basis. In five years down the road, all my associates would become African great managers one day”, Liguori stressed.
In their menu list, Liguori said Eko Signature offers Italian, American, Chinese, local and intercontinental dishes among others.

He advised Nigerians to change a little bit of their mindsets to become more hospitable, explaining that such attitude would make tourism a viable income spinner.

The manager also advised that if one is in the race to capture business, that person should also think of capturing tourism, because there are also guests that look for tourists’ destinations such as beaches, wildlife, festivals and hotels amongst others.

While appreciating the fact that hospitality sector is growing, the manager equally said that competitions are also growing along with it.

“Africans mentality has to change. How can African live abroad Westernised but when they come back they are Africanised”, Liguori stated.